Duisburger Hafen AG and HMS Bergbau AG Coal Division (HMS) entered into a long-term partnership for the further development of the coal complex. Together with duisport, HMS Bergbau AG Coal Division will construct and operate a coal handling facility that can also be used for classifying and mixing coal. The facility is slated to go into operation in the spring of 2015. The total investment volume is more than EUR 10 million. "Last year's takeover of the coal complex has set the stage for further growth. The positive developments over the past few months have shown that the complex is one of Europe's most modern facilities and very competitive. With HMS we have acquired a well-known company and ensured that the entire area of the coal complex will return to full utilization within a short time period," says Erich Staake, Chief Executive Officer of Duisburger Hafen AG. HMS is an internationally active company that, in cooperation with the worldwide active company HMS Bergbau AG, specializes in reliable shipments of power plant coal, coking coal and solid fuels for power plants and other industry consumers. HMS selected Duisburg due to its proximity to the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam, and the coal complex' excellent trimodal connections. "The Port of Duisburg is the leading hinerland hub for the western ports, with excellent connections to Central European markets. The planned innovative dosing facility will allow us to supply exact mixes with a homogeneous composition on a just-in-time basis and at a consistent quality. This is not just a real competitive advantage but also a prerequisite for long-term customer retention," emphasizes Heinz Schernikau, Chief Executive Officer of HMS Bergbau AG.